Joe Garagiola ends broadcast career after 58 years

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Joe Garagiola, the ballplayer-turned-announcer who was honored by the Hall of Fame for his on-air work, is ending his broadcast career after nearly six decades.

The 87-year-old Garagiola said Wednesday that he's retiring as a part-time television analyst for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He said goodbye at a 30-minute news conference at the team's spring training facility, a session marked by his trademark one-liners and a bit of emotion.

Garagiola entertained audiences for 58 years with a sharp sense of humor and a seemingly endless list of stories. His personality transcended sports and landed him a pair of stints on the "Today" show and a slot as a guest host in Johnny Carson's seat on "The Tonight Show."

Garagiola spent nine seasons in the majors as a catcher. He had worked at selected Diamondbacks games for the past 15 years.